Unrestricted Endowments

Our unrestricted endowment, known as The Legacy Fund, is the most flexible of the endowment gifts and the only source of emergency resources.

Why should I make an unrestricted endowment gift?

Distributions from the Legacy Fund serve to help the Jewish Federation cope with a crisis in the Jewish community. The Legacy Fund has only been invaded during periods of desperate need, such as the Holocaust, the Six Day War, and the Yom Kippur War. Each time, Jewish lives were at stake.

In recent years, the pandemic and wars in Ukraine and Israel have shaken our community – but JUF has been there to respond with essential services and support. Your contribution to The Legacy Fund will help ensure we will always be able to address future needs for the community here in Chicago and abroad.

How do I make an unrestricted endowment gift?

There are a variety of easy and tax-advantageous ways to endow your gift during your lifetime or upon your passing. The easiest and most common way is by leaving a bequest in your will or estate plan. You can also name Jewish Federation as beneficiary of your retirement plan, IRA, or life insurance. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor and contact us to find out what works best for you.